What Is The Number 1 Beach In America?

Clearwater Beach is the number one beach in America. Not only because of the stunning beaches and the powdery white sand but also because of the local beach town and all of it's offerings. The west coast of Florida from here south is a world famous stretch of pristine beaches more than one barrier island.

Florida Beaches

Clearwater Beach is about a 20 minute ride to the west of Tampa International Airport. Yes, this beach is considered to be inside both Tampa Bay an Florida's Sun Coast region. Everything a quintessential beach town should have is located here including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. For those wondering this is a lifeguarded beach.

You can rent equipment, stay in luxury hotels, take countless types of cruises, rent jet skis, take a deep sea fishing trip or even go scuba diving. If tourist like it then you can find it on this small barrier island. But wait there is more. The famous Pier 60 is here, there is a boardwalk and things do not slow down as the sun begins to set.

To The North is Caladesi Island State Park and Honeymoon Island State Park. Are you looking for some discovery? Maybe to find a quiet place along these crystalline quartz sand beaches? Then look no further and both are very close to Clearwater and filled with natural beauty and a rich history.

The Best Sand Beaches In The U.S.

Sand Key Beach and Sand Key Park are immediately to the south of Clearwater Beach. This beautiful preserve has plenty of parking and picnic areas. There are more cabana rentals and of course more of the fine grainy white quartz sand that's so cool under your feet during the heat of the day. The best beach access is easy peasy. We highly recommend this public beach or St Pete Beach.

Anna Maria Island, Venice Beach & Siesta Key Beach In The Cultural Coast

Florida's Cultural Coast extends from immediately south of Tampa Bay and the Sun Coast to Port Charlotte. There are around 60 miles of coastline and barrier islands here. Anna Maria Island makes up the first 7 miles of beach in this areas and have very limited access.

It's white sandy shores seem to go on forever and it is not hard to find an open space with room for a family. It's wide sandy shoreline has plenty of room for beach volleyball and other beach activities. Their are perks to visiting an offshore island.

Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach have a slightly different offering. The sand is still a quartz sand from the Appalachian Mountains like most of the gulf coast beaches but they are loaded with fossils, shells and even sharks teeth. You will find a great pier relatively easy parking and wonderful discoveries for you and that special someone or the youngsters in your group.

Siesta Key & Siesta Key Beach are the highlight of the Culture Coast. This relatively long barrier island constantly ranks as one of the best beaches in the U.S. The south shore will face you a little more toward the sun all day long. The north shore has Sand Dollar Island one of the large offshore sand banks you will see on the west coast of FL.

The white sand here is legendary. It is a soft powdery white quartz white sand beach. It is much easier to walk through once you reach the damper portion near the water. You will not find a beach like this on the Atlantic Coast or anywhere in the Pacific Ocean where coral sand is prominent. That means Miami Beach and South Beach are inferior beaches.

The Lee Island Coast is the southernmost coastal area on the western coast of Florida. This is where you will find everything from Port Charlotte to the Florida Everglades south of Marco Island. Most will recognize Fort Myers and Naples Florida as the largest cities here.

Marco Island is an incredible year round destination. Literally everything you can imagine is here including the ability to never leave. This is a fairly large island with a beachy, yet small town feel about it. To the south the outer banks consist of hundreds if not thousands of smaller islands and pocket beaches to be explored. The local beach is sufficient for most and the sandy shores face the sunsets each night.

To the North of Clearwater beach and St Pete Beach in the Sun Coast you will find the Nature Lovers Coast. By that they mean a lot of shoreline with just a few decent beaches. But seriously there are some smaller barrier islands in this region and it extends all of the way to the eastern boarder of Panama City Florida.

The Florida Panhandle

The Florida Panhandle is where you will find the famous Emerald Coast. This world famous stretch of beaches in the U.S. stretches all of the way past Pensacola Beach and Gulf Islands National Seashore. Included are destinations like Destin Florida, Navarre Florida and many hidden away lesser known of treasures. One that is certainly well known is Panama City Beach which is the place to be on Spring Break if that is your thing.

The Space Coast Of Florida

Looking for snorkel rentals? Maybe the best surfing spot in Florida and even the largest of the Ron Jon Surf Shops? Believe it or not Cocoa Beach Florida is just over an hour from Walt Disney World, Borders Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center is maybe 15 minutes from the beach. The pier is amazing and so is the local surfing spot. A snack bar serving lunch is right on the pier. Just be prepared for a more pinkish sand.

Daytona Beach is the norther border of the Space Coast. On a clear day this is an amazing place to be. An amusement park on the beach, the pier, the raceway and great town await you. primarily focused on tourism you can bet they are well prepared. This is pretty much the northern border of where I would visit year round. Expect to find turquoise blue waters and one of the most interesting beaches in the U.S.

Treasure Coast & Gold Coast

Southward on the Atlantic Coast you will find the Treasure Coast and Gold Coast. The Treasure Coast is where Palm Beach Florida and Palm Beach county are. This is a great alternative and yes, there is an International Airport here. The beaches have plenty of parking and there is much to see and do.

Most of the fan fare goes to South Beach, Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. You will have to like these areas a lot more than I do to consider them among the best beaches. Definitely do not plan on parking being easy. Stay in a hotel nearby or Uber there. The best beaches in the U.S. are found on the west coast of Florida.